§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) if he or his officials have contacted high technology companies which are or have been trading in the United Kingdom about granting access for United States customs officials to their sales and other internal documents;
(2) what discussions his Department has had with the American Government about granting access for United States customs officials to the sales and other internal documents of United Kingdom high technology companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonFollowing discussions with the United States authorities about the request from the Department of Commerce to make visits in connection with the new distribution licence regulations, my officials have contacted a number of British companies to seek their views. The Government will in due course consider whether to agree to such visits and on what terms. In the meantime, none have been approved.